Hon Jim Anderton
Progressive Party leader
28 August 2008
Progressive Party supports ETS
The Progressive Party will vote to support the Government's Emissions Trading Scheme, leader Jim Anderton said today.
Mr Anderton said he had met with Federated Farmers' new president Don Nicholson and new chief executive Conor English,
as Agriculture and Biosecurity Minister, and he listened carefully to their submission.
"I was pleased to meet the new leadership. We discussed a wide range of issues affecting farmers, including the ETS.
"They said they wanted to work constructively and co-operatively with the Government on agriculture and rural affairs
matters, which I was pleased to hear. I will do that too."
Jim Anderton said he had carefully considered his own and his party's positions on the ETS.
"I'm convinced this step is in the best interests of New Zealand. Agriculture will be treated fairly and reasonably.
There is no need for alarmist and exaggerated comment that would cause concern to farmers as all the provisions are on
the basis that they can be reasonably met. If they can't, there will be no requirement to do so.
"We are working cooperatively with all the stakeholders in the industry to develop the programmes that are indicated as
required."
ENDS